Forest officials in Coimbatore have deployed four camera traps at Ramya Garden in Mavuthampathi panchayat following the killing of three goats, as authorities work to identify the predator responsible. Residents suspect a leopard, but the Madukkarai Forest Range has yet to confirm the animal's identity.

How the Incident Unfolded

The goats belonged to a local livestock owner, Velusamy, who alerted forest personnel after discovering two of his animals dead on Monday morning. A third goat was found missing and is believed to have been carried away by the predator. The incident has heightened anxiety among residents of the area, who have urged officials to determine whether a leopard is moving through the locality.

Forest department staff who visited the site found pugmarks near the scene, but the impressions were reportedly too indistinct to conclusively identify the animal. Personnel also searched the adjoining forest area for any remains of the missing goat, without success.

What the Camera Traps Are Expected to Reveal

The four camera traps have been strategically placed to capture any movement and help establish what predator is responsible. A forest department official said, 'The owner believes a leopard carried away one of the goats. We cannot confirm that from the pugmarks available.' The department expects to review the footage and make a determination by Tuesday. A special patrol team has also been deployed to monitor the area and respond to any fresh sightings or attacks.

Context: Patrols Diverted to Elephant Operations

Notably, forest personnel had been conducting regular patrols in the Mavuthampathi area until approximately one month ago, before being reassigned to operations aimed at driving wild elephants away from nearby human settlements. This diversion of resources has left some livestock in the area more exposed, according to officials. The department has repeatedly advised livestock owners to secure goats and cattle inside enclosed sheds — particularly at night — but officials acknowledged that animals continue to be left vulnerable.

Compensation and Next Steps

Officials confirmed that Velusamy is eligible to apply for compensation for the loss of his goats under the applicable departmental procedure. Residents have also been urged to report any wildlife sightings promptly so that staff can verify and respond. For now, the identity of the predator remains an open question — officials stated that the missing goat and unclear pugmarks alone are insufficient to establish leopard involvement. Camera footage, combined with continued patrols, will guide the department's next course of action.

This comes amid a broader pattern of human-wildlife conflict in the Coimbatore forest fringe, where expanding settlements and forest-edge agriculture have increased contact between wild animals and livestock. The department said further protective measures would depend on what the cameras record and on any additional reports from the community.